The Updated Approach to VA Debt

Several brand-new advancements might impact the employment of military service members and their households and employers' compliance obligations in 2026. Modifications vary from proposals to increase rewards for working with military spouses to enhanced employment protections for service members while on responsibility. Military partner employment opportunities and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

, introduced earlier in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Frequent relocations continue to strain military families and can make it more difficult for companies to hire and retain military partners. Broadening the WOTC could develop new incentives for companies to employ military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Throughout Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), presented in November 2025, seeks to restrict relocations of active-duty servicemembers.

The Updated Approach on VA Retirement

The U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it could result in reduced PCS moves that might affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law currently offers civilian work leave defenses for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or willingly released for military service.

In January 2025, Congress enacted the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act), that included provisions affecting USERRA enforcement and solutions. The Dole Act strengthened anti-retaliation protections and permitted complainants alleging USERRA infractions to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts may continue to translate and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Employer Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS) released a program for companies to seek assistance for ensuring compliance. The Support and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is a chance for companies to demand technical assistance on USERRA-related questions or particular concerns in their workforce before the beginning of a DOL/VETS complaint or claim.

Priority actions include reviewing USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension procedures, and lining up hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly record new incentives for military partners. Ogletree Deakins' new Armed force Workforce Practice Group combines a group of legal representatives, many of whom are veterans or presently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly advise on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and examinations and litigation.

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Strategic Military Pension Growth 2026

Tax day is. Have you submitted with MilTax? Whether you're just getting your documents together, hit a snag or require to declare an extension, we've got your back with complimentary filing software and tax pros ready to help.

For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has promoted military spouse work, creating paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Annual Armed Force Spouse Work Summit will honor the legacy of development while charting a strong course for the future. This year's summit concentrates on Leadership & Tradition as we acknowledge the partners, employers, and supporters who have actually changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to prosper in a developing labor force.

Together, we will develop on a decade of service and success to produce a future where military partners lead with strength, vision, and purpose.

Military partners face among the most consistent employment spaces in the American workforce. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military partner unemployment has hovered around 20% or greater recently. This far goes beyond the national average, which usually falls below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships & Member Engagement at Armed Forces Mutual and a military partner herself, shows how those challenges play out in practice and how spouses can navigate them more successfully.